AutoCodes – Generic – P138E

P138E Code - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' Minimum/Maximum Stop Performance

Quick Answer

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A'. Common causes include Faulty Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A', Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' harness is open or shorted, Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P138E indicates Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' Minimum/Maximum Stop Performance.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A', Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' harness is open or shorted, Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 8,265

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 24, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P138E Description

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A'. The PCM sets the OBDII code when the Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code P138E - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' Minimum/Maximum Stop Performance - AutoCodes.com — P138E Code - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' Minimum/Maximum Stop Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P138E?

Faulty Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A'
Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' harness is open or shorted
Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P138E?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P138E code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P138E code?

Need more information on how to fix the P138E code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P138E code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

P138E Ford — Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' Minimum/Maximum Stop Performance

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P138E Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P138E?

- Common symptoms of code P138E include decreased engine performance, loss of power, and potential stalling or rough idling.

2. What can cause OBDII code P138E to trigger?

- Code P138E is typically triggered by issues with the turbocharger boost control position sensor 'A', such as a faulty sensor, wiring problems, or a vacuum leak.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P138E?

- Diagnosing code P138E involves checking the turbocharger boost control position sensor 'A' for proper operation, inspecting the sensor wiring for damage, and looking for any vacuum leaks in the system.

4. What are the repair options for OBDII code P138E?

- Repair options for code P138E may include replacing the turbocharger boost control position sensor 'A', repairing damaged wiring, fixing vacuum leaks, or resetting the fault code after resolving the underlying issue.

5. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code P138E present?

- It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with code P138E present, as it can lead to further damage to the turbocharger system and potentially cause engine performance issues.

6. How urgent is it to address OBDII code P138E?

- It is important to address code P138E promptly to prevent potential damage to the turbocharger system and ensure optimal engine performance.

7. Can OBDII code P138E be a false alarm?

- While rare, code P138E can sometimes be triggered by intermittent issues or sensor malfunctions, leading to a potential false alarm. It is advisable to diagnose the problem thoroughly to rule out false triggers.

8. Is it possible to reset OBDII code P138E without repairs?

- Resetting code P138E without addressing the underlying issue is not recommended, as the problem will likely persist and could lead to further complications down the line.

9. Are there any preventive measures to avoid OBDII code P138E?

- Regular maintenance of the turbocharger system, including checking for leaks and ensuring proper sensor operation, can help prevent the occurrence of code P138E.

10. How can a mechanic help with resolving OBDII code P138E?

- A qualified mechanic can perform a thorough diagnostic check, accurately identify the cause of code P138E, and recommend the necessary repairs or replacements to resolve the issue effectively.